Facing breast reconstruction can be daunting. You likely have many questions, concerns, and fears. Your breast reconstruction surgeon knows you have much to manage with your treatment and recovery. Making the process easy is important to the best reconstructive surgeons. Here are five things your breast reconstruction surgeon wants you to know.
1. It’s Takes Time
Breast reconstruction is a delicate process that usually involves a series of procedures. Multiple procedures help ensure you’ll have the best results. After a total mastectomy, all the breast tissue and most of the skin are removed. Often, there isn’t enough left to reconstruct the breasts. Many surgeons recommend a tissue expander after a mastectomy. It allows the skin to stretch slowly over time. This creates room to recreate the breast mound with an implant or tissue from another part of your body.
Tissue expanders are typically left in place for about three months before the reconstruction surgery can take place.
2. Breast Reconstruction is Not One Size Fits All
Breast reconstruction surgery is entirely individualized. There are several different surgical options available to you. Your surgeon will discuss your choices in detail. This will help you feel confident in your surgery plan.
Your doctor will help you decide between two main breast reconstruction methods: a flap reconstruction or an implant reconstruction.
In a flap reconstruction, your surgeon uses tissue from another part of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or back, to reform the breasts.
An implant reconstruction, on the other hand, utilizes silicone or saline breast implants to reshape the breast.
You can be sure that, after your consultation, you will feel great about your breast reconstruction plan, no matter which method you and your surgeon choose.
3. Surgery Comes with Risks
Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy is a major surgical procedure. As with any surgery, there are potential risks and complications your breast reconstruction surgeon wants you to be aware of. The most common complications of breast reconstruction include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Rupture of the implant
- Displacement of the implant
- Capsular contracture
- Changes in sensation in the breasts
- Scar tissue formation
- Skin scarring
4. What To Expect as You Recover
Recovery is a completely individual process; many factors can influence how long it takes. Most women who have breast reconstruction can expect to resume regular activity about 2-3 weeks after the procedure. They often report feeling normal again about six weeks post-op.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Having to undergo a mastectomy can be both physically and emotionally taxing. Your breast reconstruction surgeon wants you to know that you do not have to be nervous or afraid to ask questions. They understand that the process can become overwhelming at times. Take time to think of any questions or concerns and write them down. Before your breast reconstruction, make sure all your questions are answered. It is essential to go into your procedure feeling comfortable and confident that you’ve made the right choice.
Schedule a Consultation with a Breast Reconstruction Surgeon
Needing to have breast reconstruction surgery is difficult enough. Partnering with an experienced breast reconstruction surgeon is an important part of the process. The right one can guide you through your options. They will help reassure you and support you in getting the best outcome.
If you are looking for a breast reconstruction surgeon, don’t delay – schedule a free consultation today!